Most people don’t think of a tooth as a body part that varies in strength. Our teeth seem to have a steady hardness and dependably grind food whenever we need them. However, teeth are dynamic organisms with continual chemical processes. McKinley-Holloway Legacy Dentistry wants you to be aware of the role your diet plays in your oral health.
Tooth Enamel Varies in Strength
The protective enamel that covers the softer interior is comprised of minerals. Enamel demineralizes (loses some of its density) when it comes in contact with acids.
Saliva can dilute and neutralize acid so the tooth can re-harden. This process isn’t instantaneous, however.
Enamel Erosion
While the enamel is soft, the tooth is vulnerable to losing a microscopic outer layer of enamel. If the erosion continues, the much softer dentin is exposed. The dentin erodes more quickly. Eventually, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Understand Which Foods are Acidic
It is apparent that the typical diet is becoming more acidic. The list of acidic foods may surprise you. They include eggs, gravy, asparagus, chicken, cottage cheese, honey, fish, ham, butter, sour cream, aged cheese, and yogurt with active cultures. Generally, foods with a high sugar or artificial sweetener content are considerably acidic. We don’t recommend eliminating the healthy foods on this list. However, we just want you to be aware of the issue.
Is Your Go-To Beverage Affecting Your Teeth?
Now let’s talk about liquids. You probably already know that soda pop and wine are not good for your teeth. Teens who sip soda all day can have acid erosion while their young teeth should be at their healthiest. In addition to soda, energy drinks are very popular and dentists are noticing the effects.
If you drink soda or energy drinks often, you may want to drink water or chew sugarless gum after downing a can. Increasing saliva production can energize the remineralization process.
If your teeth have become more sensitive in general, or in response to hot or cold foods or liquids, you may have acid erosion. Schedule an examination with McKinley-Holloway Legacy Dentistry in Shelby Township, MI today.
CONTACT MCKINLEY-HOLLOWAY LEGACY DENTISTRY:
586-685-0880
LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):
45665 VILLAGE BLVD
SHELBY TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN
48315
